Cranfield University has presented a strategic foresight report for the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). The detailed science-policy horizon scan reveals six critical issues that will define the environmental policy landscape in the coming decades.

With funding limitations, rapid technology advances, competing priorities, political tensions and capacity constraints, there is uncertainty and complexity at a pan-European level. Cranfield’s new foresight research unveils six emerging issues to address:

  • New governance models are needed to address fragmented global frameworks
  • Resource diplomacy amid intensifying competition for water and critical resources
  • Biodiversity protection through regional cooperation and coherent governance
  • Tech futures balancing innovation with ethical governance and regulatory frameworks
  • Geopolitical divisions make environmental cooperation more difficult – maintaining neutrality whilst fostering cooperation is essential
  • Strengthen coordination between green and digital policies to support sustainability

Lead author of the report Dr Kenisha Garnett, Senior Lecturer in Decision Science at Cranfield University said: “We are at a pivotal moment for rethinking global environmental policy frameworks. Therefore, foresight is not only timely but strategic, offering the means to navigate uncertainty and identify where opportunities exist to cooperate on environmental issues. There is huge potential with rapid innovations, but we need the frameworks in place to ensure we are advancing our sustainability goals not undermining them.

“This report will play a pivotal role in informing environmental policy at the pan-European level, helping UNECE make resilient decisions in the face of complexity and uncertainty. This proactive approach will help steer the region towards a more equitable, regenerative and resilient future.”

The report “Shaping environmental policy in the pan European region by applying foresight methodologies” was presented at the 13th session of the Committee on Environmental Policy in Geneva. The project was funded under the Impact Collaboration Programme (ICP) 2024 of the Geneva Science Policy Interface (GSPI).